Two People Shot Dead After Residents Storm Ramula Police Station in Siaya
Two people were shot dead on Monday, April 6, 2026, after a group of protesters attempted to storm Ramula Police Station in Gem, Siaya County.
The incident occurred when residents, mainly from the neighbouring Vihiga County, demonstrated against an alleged eviction linked to a gold mining company operating in the gold-rich Ramula area.
The protesters, who did not notify police in advance, became rowdy and started pelting stones at officers and vandalising property, including police vehicles and windows at the station. Police moved in to disperse the crowd using tear gas, but the situation escalated, leading officers to fire live bullets. Two youths were killed in the process, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
Siaya County Commissioner Nobert Komora and Gem Sub-County Police Commander Charles Wafula confirmed the incident. Authorities blamed external incitement and said security has been heightened in the area to prevent further unrest. Many businesses in the trading centre closed as tension remained high. Residents accused police of using excessive force, while police maintained they acted to restore order after the station came under attack.
